Mentor for Interns in Family Planning and Maternal Health

Mentor for Interns in Family Planning and Maternal Health

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

August 30, 2026September 30, 2026Burundi
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, established to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on improving reproductive health and rights, and has been actively involved in various initiatives to enhance the quality of healthcare services. The organization is committed to addressing social and gender norms that discriminate against individuals and aims to empower youth through capacity building and data utilization for national planning. UNFPA has been operational in Burundi since the inception of its cooperation program, which is currently in its ninth phase covering the period from 2024 to 202
  • The organization employs a diverse workforce dedicated to achieving transformative results in reproductive health and rights.

Job Overview:
The position of Mentor for Interns in Family Planning and Maternal Health at UNFPA Burundi is designed to provide comprehensive support and guidance to interns as they navigate their professional careers within the context of the United Nations system. The mentor will play a crucial role in familiarizing interns with the operations of UNFPA, particularly in the areas of family planning and maternal health. This role is pivotal in ensuring that interns gain a thorough understanding of critical issues such as maternal health, obstetric fistulas, and the prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. The mentor will also be responsible for promoting innovative solutions that contribute to achieving UNFPA's transformative goals, including zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet needs for family planning, and zero gender-based violence. Additionally, the mentor will help interns develop essential communication skills to address sensitive topics and engage effectively with clients and patients, ensuring respect for individual rights and informed choices in family planning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The mentor's primary responsibilities include assisting interns in becoming acquainted with UNFPA's work in Burundi, particularly in family planning and maternal health. Specific duties involve:
  • Familiarizing interns with family planning themes, maternal health, obstetric fistulas, and holistic approaches to prevention and management of these issues, including STIs and HIV.
  • Supporting the promotion of STI/HIV prevention among adolescents and youth.
  • Proposing innovative strategies that accelerate the achievement of UNFPA's transformative results.
  • Developing communication skills to address sensitive topics and respond to client/patient inquiries while respecting individual rights and choices in family planning.
  • Participating in documenting best practices and evidence-based reporting to inform decision-making for quality health service utilization.
  • Engaging in research or evaluation projects to gather data on best practices in family planning and maternal health, particularly for vulnerable populations.
  • Acquiring skills in data collection and analysis to contribute to the continuous improvement of family planning and maternal health services.
  • Participating in discussions and activities that promote favorable policies and practices at local, national, and international levels.
  • Providing support in other intervention areas as needed. 1
  • Contributing to the production and dissemination of communication and social mobilization materials related to sexual and reproductive health, family planning, and maternal health. 1
  • Producing monthly reports on achievements and planning for the upcoming month.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the mentor position should possess a strong understanding of sexual and reproductive health issues, particularly in the context of family planning and maternal health. They should demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and engage with diverse populations, particularly youth and vulnerable groups. Additionally, candidates should have a commitment to promoting gender equality and addressing social norms that hinder access to reproductive health services. The ideal candidate will have a proactive approach to problem-solving and innovation, with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes in health service delivery.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this position. Candidates should ideally hold a degree in public health, social sciences, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in sexual and reproductive health, maternal health, or public health policy will be considered an asset. Continuous professional development in these areas is encouraged to ensure that the mentor remains informed about the latest trends and best practices in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have prior experience working in the field of sexual and reproductive health, particularly in family planning and maternal health. Experience in mentoring or training roles, especially within the context of international organizations or NGOs, will be highly regarded. Familiarity with the UN system and its operations, as well as experience in data collection and analysis, will also be beneficial for this position.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication in Burundi. Proficiency in English is also desirable, as it may be necessary for engaging with international stakeholders and accessing global resources. Knowledge of local languages may be an advantage in effectively communicating with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing the professional skills of young individuals through practical experience within the UN system. The role is expected to be full-time, with a focus on providing comprehensive mentorship and support to interns. The duration of the contract will be determined based on the specific needs of the program and the availability of funding. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with UNFPA's policies and guidelines for internship programs.
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